‘Solar cloth’ offers moveable power

Textiles which incorporate solar cells could allow some travellers to dispense with batteries altogether, predict scientists. Researchers at the School of Textiles at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland say they may be able to produce fabrics carrying solar cells. These, they suggest, could be rolled up and carried to remote locations – perhaps to be used as a source of power for fireman or soldiers. However, the limited space available on clothing means that jackets which provide power for mobile phones and laptops may still be some way off.